The Lok Sabha elections has cast a gloomy spell over IPL.

In the light of uncertainty looming large over Indian Premier League (IPL) venues because of upcoming Lok Sabha elections, most of the franchises have taken into consideration bidding for players who are adept at playing in different conditions.

“Different playing conditions will not bother CSK as they have picked players good at performing in any condition. You are a cricketer and have to play in any condition. This formula was applied when we picked the Indian team,” Krish Srikkanth, a part of Chennai Super Kings think tank, told reporters at the end of the first day of IPL 7 players’ auction.

Delhi Daredevils Coach T A Sekar said the team management will bid for those adept at playing on any wicket.

“We have discussed this question in our meeting. We will pick our team according to that,” he said.

Kings XI Punjab coach Sanjay Bangar, however, said it was not an issue with his side as they had a fair number of uncapped players to pick from.

“We are not planning for one year, but for next three years,” he said.

On buying Kevin Petersen, Sekar said no team would like to lose him, especially when he is available for the whole season.

“You cannot afford to lose a player like KP when he is available full time. He is a colourful player off the ground and terrific on the field,” he said.

Sekar said his team targeted Dinesh Karthik because he’s a good captaincy material and a smart cricketer.

Asked about the combination of coach Gary Kirsten and Pietersen sharing responsibilities for DD, Sekar said, “Two South Africans can’t be bad.”

Kings XI Punjab owner Preity Zinta said bidding for Glen Maxwell was not an on-spot decision.

“He was in our list from day one,” she said.

Asked why his franchise had very few buys today, Zinta said that budget constraints played a role in that.

“We can only buy four international and seven Indian players. So, it is pretty simple,” she said.

First Published on February 12, 2014 10:49 PM ISTLast updated on February 12, 2014 10:51 PM IST